On the recordMay 28, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this Monday, Memorial Day, gives citizens from around the country the opportunity to pause, come together, and remember those who have laid down their lives in protection of freedom. The debt we owe our Nation's members of the armed services, our veterans and their families can never be fully repaid. Today we continue to be engaged in hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, and young men and women will continue to pay the ultimate price for this Nation. As a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, I'm proud of the work we have done together in this Congress to support our veterans and military families. Although we have come a long way concerning care for our veterans, there's always more work to be done. We must ensure that our veterans do not fall through the cracks as they transition from the military to civilian life. Back in Minnesota, as the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard prepare to deploy again to the Middle East, it's more critical than ever we back up those words with actions. We do so because it's the right thing to do for our veterans and the moral health of this Nation. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank our current servicemembers, veterans, and their families for their service. ____________________





